Living in a small space can feel cozy, but it can also make you wish for a bit more breathing room. Luckily, there are tricks you can use to make even the tiniest room feel bigger, and one of the most effective is using mirrors. When used right, mirrors can create the illusion of more space, brighten up dark corners, and even serve as stylish pieces of home decor. In this article, we’ll explore some practical and creative ways to use mirrors to make your small room look bigger.
How Mirrors Can Transform Any Space
Mirrors are a staple in interior design, and for good reason. Not only do they reflect light, making your space look brighter, but they also play with the way we perceive a room’s size. A well-placed mirror can make a room feel like it stretches on forever. This trick works in any small space—whether it’s a living room, dining room, or small bedroom. The right mirrors can make a huge difference in how open and airy your space feels.
Create an Optical Illusion
One of the easiest and most effective ways to make your small room look larger is by using mirrors to create an optical illusion. When placed strategically, mirrors can reflect natural, brightening the room and making it feel more expansive.
One way to do this is by placing a large mirror directly across from a window, allowing the mirror to reflect the outdoors, giving your room a view and depth that wasn’t physically there before. This simple DIY trick can transform how your space looks and feels without the need for any major renovations.
Mirror Placement
Not all mirrors are created equal, and neither are the spaces where you put them. The placement of mirrors is key when it comes to making a room feel bigger. To get the most out of your mirrors, try hanging them at eye level or higher. This not only creates the illusion of a taller room but also draws the eye upward, enhancing the feeling of vertical space.
If you want to get creative, try placing a tall mirror or a full-length mirror in one corner of the room. This helps reflect light from multiple angles and maximizes the feeling of openness in a small living space. A tall mirror also elongates the room, especially in spaces like small bedrooms or narrow entryways.
Mirror Hidden Doors from Murphy Door
Here’s where things get really interesting. What if you could combine the functionality of a mirror with something else—like a door? That’s exactly what Murphy Door does with our mirror hidden doors. Our hidden mirror doors not only provide a secret passage or storage space but also serve as a focal point in the room. The mirror adds depth and reflects light, while the door itself is a sleek, functional addition to any home.
A mirror hidden door is a perfect solution for anyone trying to make a small space feel bigger while keeping things functional. It’s also a great option if you’re into minimalist design, as it eliminates the need for extra furniture or wall decor. Instead of cluttering your space with lots of little decor ideas, a mirror hidden door offers a streamlined and stylish way to open up your room.
Use Mirrors as Focal Points
Mirrors don’t just have to be functional; they can also be a stunning piece of wall art in their own right. In small spaces, a large mirror can act as a focal point, drawing attention and making the room feel more spacious. In a small living room, placing a large mirror above a coffee table or couch can anchor the space and make the entire room feel bigger.
Another option is to group several small mirrors together in a gallery wall-style arrangement. This creates a sense of movement and depth, while also adding a touch of personality to your room. Just be careful not to go overboard—sometimes less is more, especially in a small space. Use discretion when deciding if a mirror gallery wall is right for your space.
Brighten Up a Dark Room
Mirrors are your best friend when it comes to brightening up a dark room. As we mentioned earlier, mirrors reflect both natural light and artificial light, which can make a room feel significantly brighter and more open. To maximize the effect, place a mirror near a light fixture or lamp. The mirror will bounce the light around the room, making even a space without windows feel brighter and more inviting.
If your space has multiple light sources, mirrors can help spread that light evenly throughout the room. This is especially helpful in rooms with awkward layouts or places where light doesn’t naturally reach, like a narrow hallway or small dining room.
Use Mirrors to Reflect Light Colors
Another trick for making a small room feel bigger is to use mirrors to reflect light colors in your decor. Light, neutral tones naturally make a space feel larger and more open. By placing a mirror near a wall painted in a soft white, beige, or pastel shade, you can amplify that effect. The mirror will reflect the light and the color, giving the room a bright, airy feel.
This technique works especially well in combination with other decor ideas like minimalist furniture or light-colored textiles. For example, a small living room with a pale-colored rug, light furniture, and a strategically placed mirror will look and feel much larger than a room with dark colors and heavy decor.
Keep the Floor Space Clear
In a small room, every inch of floor space counts. The more cluttered your floor is, the more cramped the room will feel. Mirrors can help with this, especially if you opt for wall mirrors instead of floor-standing ones. Hanging mirrors on the walls keeps the floor clear, making the room feel more open.
A tall mirror that’s mounted on the wall or leaned against it can add height to the room without taking up valuable floor space. This is particularly useful in spaces like a small bedroom or entryway, where you might not have a lot of extra room for furniture.
Mirror Decor Hacks for Small Spaces
If you’re looking for some quick DIY hacks to make your space feel bigger, here are a few ideas to get you started. One easy trick is to place a mirror behind a piece of furniture like a sofa or a coffee table. This creates the illusion of more depth in the room and reflects light from the other side of the room.
Another hack is to use mirrored furniture or decor pieces, like a mirrored coffee table or a side table with a reflective surface. This adds a touch of glam while also making your space look bigger.
For smaller spaces, consider using a small mirror or a series of small mirrors to reflect light from different angles. This technique works well in corners or near light sources to bounce light around and brighten up the space. You can also experiment with different shapes and sizes to find what works best for your room.
The Power of Reflecting Light
When used correctly, mirrors have the power to reflect light in a way that dramatically changes how a room feels. In small rooms, light is your best friend, and mirrors are the perfect tool to enhance and distribute that light. Whether it’s from a window, a lamp, or a ceiling light, mirrors can take the light that’s already in your room and multiply it.
The more reflective surfaces you have, the brighter and bigger your space will feel. This is why mirrors are such a popular choice in small apartments, tiny homes, and other compact living spaces. They work with what you already have, creating a sense of space without adding anything bulky or unnecessary.
Get a Hidden Mirror Door From Murphy Door To Transform Your Space
Elevate your space and make the most of every inch with a hidden mirror door from Murphy Door. Perfect for adding light and depth, a hidden mirror door not only enhances your room’s look but also adds functional, stylish storage or access to a hidden room. Whether you’re aiming to maximize a small space or create a unique design feature, Murphy Door’s mirror doors offer a seamless way to transform your home effortlessly.